Main Stream: Benedictines

The Benedictine charism is centered on contemplative monastic life lived according to the Rule of St. Benedict with the motto:
“Ora et Labora” — Pray and Work
This includes: Communal liturgical prayer and personal prayer; Stability in community life; Hospitality, study, and balanced work; Service to Church and neighbor through education, health, pastoral care, and social outreach
African Benedictine Sisters specifically live this charism by serving in schools, healthcare, catechesis, and community development, integrating prayer with active service

Founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in 529 AD at Subiaco, Italy — the source of Western monasticism. The Benedictines are the oldest monastic order in the Latin Church.
Benedictine women’s communities developed alongside the male monasteries over centuries, living the same Rule adapted to contemplative community life.
In Tanzania, Benedictine women are present primarily as the African Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady Help of Christians (O.S.B.), canonically approved and rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, with strong local missions in education, health, and catechesis

Email (General Benedictine Confederation): curiaosb@anselmianum.com (international Benedictine vocations point)